India could be gripped by a third coronavirus surge within weeks as it eases lockdown restrictions on businesses and life, medical experts told The National.
Daily infection rates have slowed from a peak of more than 400,000 in early May to nearly 60,000 on Sunday.
But the public precautions and preventive measures against Covid-19 have also eased.
Across the country's largest cities, huge crowds browsed in markets and shopping malls for the first time in weeks after restrictions were lifted.
The second wave, which hit in March, led to 20 million cases being reported and a death toll of nearly 250,000.
But as the authorities began to reopen public life to revive the economy, experts said a third wave was becoming “inevitable” as crowds yet again lowered their guard against infection.
“Again crowds are building up, people are gathering,” said Dr Randeep Guleria, chairman of the country's main hospital, All India Institute of Medical Sciences.
"It will take some time for the number of cases to start rising at the national level.
“A third wave is inevitable and it could hit the country within the next six to eight weeks, maybe a little longer."
India is slowly emerging from the devastating effects of the second wave, which began months after infections ebbed after the first peak late in September.
By February it hit a low of 8,000 cases a day, sparking a sense of triumph in the public and the government that declared the country had defeated the pandemic, before a local variant began to spread rapidly.
Experts blamed large political and religious gatherings and opening of public life for the wave, during which India's healthcare system nearly crumbled and millions struggled to get oxygen, medicine and hospital beds.
One of the worst-hit cities, New Delhi, faced death and despair throughout April and May as patients choked outside hospitals because of a lack of oxygen, while crematoriums ran out of space.
But in recent weeks, scenes across the capital's markets have not only defied the grim memories but also blatantly ignored coronavirus prevention.
Markets were packed with crowds, with many people not wearing masks or leaving them dangling after New Delhi reopened in early June after a six-week strict lockdown in which infections increased to 28,000 a day in April.
The city reported 124 new cases on Sunday, prompting authorities to allow restaurants and bars to open with 50 per cent seating capacity.
They further relaxed rules for public parks, gardens, shopping malls, golf clubs and outdoor yoga sessions, which opened last week.
On Friday, a Delhi court said there could be a third wave of Covid-19 if people continued to breach safety measures.
“Such breach of Covid protocol will only hasten a third wave, which can’t be permitted at all," it said.
The scenes were no different in cities across neighbouring Uttar Pradesh state, where crowds defied coronavirus rules.
The state government increased working hours for markets and allowed shopping malls and religious institutions to function at 50 per cent capacity.
In Haryana state, gyms, sports complexes and stadiums have been allowed to reopen.
The southern Telangana state has lifted all curbs on public life after what the government called a "drastic drop" in the number of positive cases.
But with the easing of restrictions, the slow pace of vaccination and concerns over a new mutation of the Delta variant, called Delta-plus, experts say that masks and social distancing are the only ways for people in India to protect themselves against a third wave.
"People must behave sensibly and public administration must be vigilant in preventing super spreader events," Dr K Srinath Reddy, president of the charity Public Health Foundation of India, told The National.
"Otherwise, the virus will hit us hard again."
Dr Jayaprakash Muliyil, India’s leading epidemiologist, said although cases may be dropping, the coronavirus is still present.
“This is an unfortunate infection gifted to the world," Dr Muliyil said. "Every activity, education, industry has to go on but people should follow the basic rules of masking and avoid being in crowds.
"It might feel like the curve is flattening but the virus is not completely gone.
India has administered about 270 million vaccine doses, covering just over 3 per cent of its 1.3 billion people with two doses and nearly 17 per cent with one.
Experts say the country will have to aggressively vaccinate all of its citizens before a new surge hits the country.
“The vaccination has to sustain and increase to make considerable gains over the next few months," said Giridhar Babu, an epidemiologist with the PHFI.
"India will have another wave based on some of the mathematical predictions in October.
"Before that, aggressive containment and vaccination is required wherever outbreaks are reported."
Red flags
- Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
- Unregulated structured products or complex investments often used to bypass traditional safeguards.
- Lack of clear information, vague language, no access to audited financials.
- Overseas companies targeting investors in other jurisdictions - this can make legal recovery difficult.
- Hard-selling tactics - creating urgency, offering 'exclusive' deals.
Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching
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What are the influencer academy modules?
- Mastery of audio-visual content creation.
- Cinematography, shots and movement.
- All aspects of post-production.
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- Understanding of marketing objectives and audience engagement.
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Countries offering golden visas
UK
Innovator Founder Visa is aimed at those who can demonstrate relevant experience in business and sufficient investment funds to set up and scale up a new business in the UK. It offers permanent residence after three years.
Germany
Investing or establishing a business in Germany offers you a residence permit, which eventually leads to citizenship. The investment must meet an economic need and you have to have lived in Germany for five years to become a citizen.
Italy
The scheme is designed for foreign investors committed to making a significant contribution to the economy. Requires a minimum investment of €250,000 which can rise to €2 million.
Switzerland
Residence Programme offers residence to applicants and their families through economic contributions. The applicant must agree to pay an annual lump sum in tax.
Canada
Start-Up Visa Programme allows foreign entrepreneurs the opportunity to create a business in Canada and apply for permanent residence.
heading
Iran has sent five planeloads of food to Qatar, which is suffering shortages amid a regional blockade.
A number of nations, including Iran's major rival Saudi Arabia, last week cut ties with Qatar, accusing it of funding terrorism, charges it denies.
The land border with Saudi Arabia, through which 40% of Qatar's food comes, has been closed.
Meanwhile, mediators Kuwait said that Qatar was ready to listen to the "qualms" of its neighbours.
UAE v Gibraltar
What: International friendly
When: 7pm kick off
Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City
Admission: Free
Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page
UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)
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GOLF’S RAHMBO
- 5 wins in 22 months as pro
- Three wins in past 10 starts
- 45 pro starts worldwide: 5 wins, 17 top 5s
- Ranked 551th in world on debut, now No 4 (was No 2 earlier this year)
- 5th player in last 30 years to win 3 European Tour and 2 PGA Tour titles before age 24 (Woods, Garcia, McIlroy, Spieth)
THE SPECS
2020 Toyota Corolla Hybrid LE
Engine: 1.8 litre combined with 16-volt electric motors
Transmission: Automatic with manual shifting mode
Power: 121hp
Torque: 142Nm
Price: Dh95,900
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Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
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- 600-seat auditorium
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TOURNAMENT INFO
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Jul 3- 14, in the Netherlands
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UAE squad
Humaira Tasneem (captain), Chamani Seneviratne, Subha Srinivasan, Neha Sharma, Kavisha Kumari, Judit Cleetus, Chaya Mughal, Roopa Nagraj, Heena Hotchandani, Namita D’Souza, Ishani Senevirathne, Esha Oza, Nisha Ali, Udeni Kuruppuarachchi
